Top Black Cultural Festivals to Celebrate Our Heritage and Creativity
Explore Must-Attend Black Cultural Festivals Across the U.S. and Beyond: Music, Food, and Connection Await
In cities across the United States and beyond, Black cultural festivals have become vibrant celebrations of community, creativity, and heritage. They offer a chance to celebrate our rich heritage, support Black businesses and provide a safe space for community and connection. And, of course, the music and food are always top tier. We’ve compiled a list of the best Next Fests to celebrate the cultural history and significance of the African diaspora. Read below for more information and get ready for a great time.
Nomadness Fest in Charlotte, NC
Sept. 12 - 15
Created by Emmy Award winner Evita Robinson, this event gives you the chance to network and learn from the best and brightest BIPOC travel creators, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
Black and Loud Fest in Seattle, WA
Sept. 14
Enjoy a night listening to Black-fronted alternative bands.
Sept 20-22
Back for the 2nd year, this event incorporates music, business opportunities and personal wellness and growth seamlessly.
PanaFest Celebration in Silver Spring, MD
Sept. 21
PanaFest is an opportunity to celebrate our African heritage with the theme “I ♥ African Heritage Unity!”
Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival in Washington, DC
Sept. 27 - 29
Created by Nice Crowd, the same company that brings us the American Black Film Festival each year, this event will be hosed by Leslie Jones and Deon Cole and feature new comedians that you want to know.
Oct. 5 - 6
CultureCon brings Black entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals together for two days of culture-shifting networking, activations and a career fair.
Festival del Cristo Negro (Black Christ) in Portobelo, Panama
Oct. 21
Every year, around 60,000 Afro-Panamanians make a pilgrimage to Portabelo to a Cristo Negro statue, honoring their African and Catholic roots.
World Creole Music Festival in Dominica
Oct. 25 - 27
This year’s performers include Gramps Morgan, Rotimi, Nadia Batson and Damian & Stephen Marley. The 2024 theme is “Botanica” and you’ll be amazed at the lush landscape throughout the country.
Treme Fall Festival in New Orleans, LA
Oct. 25 - 27
Spend a weekend in the oldest Black neighborhood in New Orleans, enjoying a 2nd line parade along with amazing music and food. This event raises money to preserve Treme neighborhood.
Need a place to stay? Find all your accommodations here
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Need a place to stay? Find all your accommodations here ⬇️
NOLA Zydeco Fest in New Orleans, LA
Nov. 2
Gabrielle Deculus and Courtney Smith Co-Founded The New Orleans Zydeco Festival (NOZF) to honor the legacy of their great-grandfather, Creole French Musician, and Zydeco Pioneer Alphonse “Bois Sec” Ardoin And the event has grown every year.
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival in New Orleans, LA
Nov. 10 - 11
Put on by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, this FREE event will feature regional hand-made art, jewelry and crafts and, of course, gumbo and amazing music.
Garifuna Settlement Day in Dangriga, Belize
Nov. 19
Each year, the Afro-Belizean people celebrate the day Garifuna people first arrive to the shores of Belize on November 19th, 1802. The day is filled with drumming, dancing and fun. You’ll also have a chance to eat some hudut, a fish coconut stew.
Jan. 6 - March 4
Y’all already know that Mardi Gras is an amazing time but did you know that it starts January 6? Throughout the Mardi Gras season there are parades by multiple krewes and beads galore.
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival In Tampa Bay, FL
Jan. 10 - 17
This 10-day cultural event starts the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and features speakers, artists, poets to promote diversity and cultural sensitivity. There’s also a music festival in April.
Black Luxe Picnic and Music Festival in Boca Raton, FL
Feb. 15
This event features DJs, live bands, food trucks and beautiful backdrops for photo ops. Wear your Sunday best or Kentucky Derby attire and decorate your picnic area to enter the “best picnic area’ competition for a cash prize.
African American Heritage Festival in Charlotte, NC
Feb. 20 - 22
This award-winning event is titled “Black Country” and will emphasize the rural experience in Mecklenburg County, NC through performances, speakers, panels and community-focused family-friendly events.
Feb. 21 - 23
The 225Fest was created to celebrate the culture of Baton Rouge and invest in the city and features kid’s activities, food trucks a health fair, art walk and live performances. In 2024 there were over 30,000 festival goers!
Black Heritage Festival in Lake Charles, LA
March 6 - 9
This FREE fest includes a kid’s zone, performances, dance, empowerment sessions, a cook off and more.
Attending festivals for the culture not only leaves you feeling more alive but also strengthens the communities that make these celebrations possible. So why wait? Which festival will you be attending?
A Vibe Called Fest keeps you up-to-date with all the important information for festivals and cultural events centered around Black people. Subscribe and check out our FesTEAval Blog posts and the Next Fests list.
